FIRST STATEWIDE STATUS REPORT
RELEASED
ON
“This
is the first statewide, comprehensive status report on organic agriculture that
presents data about
“Organic
Agriculture in Michigan: 2006 Survey Report” is part of a collaborative
project by Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Organic Food and
Farm Alliance (MOFFA) -- The Transition to Organic in Michigan: Production and
Marketing Constraints and Opportunities -- funded by a special research grant
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to identify opportunities for
more Michigan fruit and vegetable growers to participate in the emergent market
for organic produce.
“With 45,500 certified organic acres and projected
growth trends,
According
to a recent USDA survey, the number of certified organic acres in the
A
national comparison of certified organic operations shows that
“The
survey information will allow us to gain a better understanding of our organic community
in terms of the types of crops grown, farm size and location, production,
marketing and policy issues,” said MOFFA’s Osborne. "It will
also help us build a better food system for
Based on
survey feedback, report recommendations include conducting a biennial census of
organic agriculture to assess the state’s organic farm progress,
investigating barriers to certification for Michigan farmers who follow organic
practices, researching soil fertility management strategies specific to organic
farms, advocating for policies and programs to support the organic community,
and promoting the economic and environmental benefits of organic farming for
Michigan agriculture.
A copy
of the 34-page report is available as a PDF at www.moffa.org. For further
information, please contact Jim Bingen at [log in to unmask] or 517-353-1905.
#vo#
The
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is one of the largest research organizations
at
The
Lansing-based Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance was created in 1992 as a
non-profit organization to create public awareness about valuing and choosing
organically grown food produced locally and the need for more decentralized
food systems that allow for greater participation and choice by all citizens.
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
http://www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/
http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/